Chapter 134 — The Beginning of Empire Building
Most people say the beginning of the Jin Empire was the Battle of Chuhajeom, but in truth, this moment should be seen as its true beginning.
The Battle of Chuhajeom was merely an attack by the Wanyan clan's forces, together with a few allied tribes, against the Liao army.
They had not expected such an easy victory.
They had not expected Liao to collapse so readily.
It gave rise to the confidence that, with just a little more, even the Liao Empire could be destroyed.
After several days of persuasion, Yeongu brought Kim Yun-gyeong before Aguda.
The gathering included the Wanyan commanders, the six generals introduced earlier, and the chiefs of each tribe.
Yeongu began first.
He cleared his throat to speak at length.
He knew he was not good with words.
His throat seemed made for shouting, not for deep discourse.
"Today, I have gathered you to discuss—no, to lay out—the beginning of building an empire. We speak of founding a state, yet we do not know how a state is made. We lived under the empires of Balhae and Goguryeo, but we were not the ruling class. So we spoke of founding a state, yet wasted effort in confusion. I myself was no different.
This is Kim Yun-gyeong, nephew of Kim Busik, whom you all favor."
After introducing him, Yeongu continued.
"He is a genius secretly sent by Kim Busik, the one who will oversee the founding of this state. I cannot tell the full grand history today. I will speak only of what must be done now.
First, the gathering of tribes. Declaring a state does not make it so. All the tribes of Liaodong must gather. Send messengers and summon the chiefs. Not all will come at once. With continued victories, more will join.
Second, elevation (proclamation). One does not become king by declaring it. Traditionally, kings are raised by others. Did Zhao Kuangyin of Song declare himself king? No—he was elevated by the warlords. The same must be done here.
Third, declaration of the state name. A name must be chosen. Think carefully and decide. Heaven will not do it for you.
Fourth, proclamation to Heaven and Earth. A ritual must be held to seek acknowledgment. This is not an ordinary ancestral rite. Only the Son of Heaven performs such rites. The ancient records speak of it.
Fifth, a military declaration. Declare the destruction of Liao, the salvation of the people, and the establishment of an empire.
Sixth, internal reorganization. Establish a functioning structure. Appoint officials. Define roles and responsibilities. The current state is disorder. Civil households and military structure must be aligned.
After these six, we begin the western campaign. Liao is an empire—vast, wealthy, and strong. It will not fall in one or two battles. Within this year, we must reclaim the old lands of Buyeo. That will strike at Liao's weakest point."
Yeongu looked around.
What had been vague became clear.
No one had ever articulated their vision so plainly.
He then called Kim Yun-gyeong forward.
"None of this came from my head. It came from this young man. You might not believe him, so I memorized it and delivered it. He is Kim Busik's nephew—versed in the classics and astronomy, and skilled in organization and governance. Kim Busik could not come himself, so he sent him. It would be best to proceed according to his counsel."
No one laughed.
For once, Yeongu's words were structured.
Kim Yun-gyeong stepped forward.
Yeongu withdrew.
Though similar, his explanation differed.
He set concrete schedules—when to gather, declare, and perform rites.
A civil official recorded everything.
Then he assigned roles.
Not loosely, but with clear duties and limits of responsibility.
He spoke.
"From this point on, no one may say they did not know their task. Violations will be punished severely."
All eyes turned to Aguda.
But he looked satisfied.
The meeting ended, yet no one left.
Each awaited confirmation of their duties.
Aguda called Yeongu.
"How do you manage this so well? If it were me, I'd give orders here and there and end up in confusion."
"The work would tangle. That is how important it is."
"And if someone lacks the strength?"
"Shall I cut off his head?"
"This is work, not war. You must support them—provide food, rest, and assistance."
Aguda nodded.
He looked at the plan posted on the wall.
"It looks good."
"It means to prepare before that day arrives."
"I understand."
Aguda grabbed Yeongu's shoulder.
"Stay a while."
"I have things to do."
"I know you go off to nap."
"Not today."
"Then what?"
"My head is overheated."
"Stay anyway."
"Very well."
Aguda wanted him nearby.
Ogeolmae laughed.
"He is in a good mood today."
"What was he doing?"
"Thinking, unable to decide."
"Now he has found direction."
Yeongu spoke.
"It would be best if Goryeo's sages conducted the ritual."
"Will they come?"
"Send a formal letter. In Goryeo, the Palgwanhoe invites such sages."
Aguda asked,
"Who should go?"
Ogeolmae replied,
"A letter will suffice."
Yeongu interjected,
"It would be best if your younger brother goes."
"Goryeo is difficult."
"Why?"
"I have killed many Goryeo soldiers."
"Who would know?"
"Heaven and Earth know."
"Go anyway."
Yeongu explained the route.
Even how to pass the formation at the foot of the mountain.
Seeing Ogeolmae's expression, Aguda burst into laughter.
"So even the mighty Ogeolmae fears Goryeo."